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MORNING KEY NOTE SPEAKER

Bishop John P.

Dolan Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix

  • Installed as bishop in August 2022.

  • Deeply committed to supporting those affected by mental illness.

  • Opened the Office of Mental Health Ministry just four months after his installation, on December 13, 2022. His personal journey includes the loss of three siblings and a brother-in-law to suicide, fueling his compassion and urgency around mental health.

  • The Office provides a space of hospitality and healing, with a focus on: Education, Accompaniment and Advocacy.

  • Inspired by Scripture:

  • “Jesus meets the woman at the well and not only holiness happens from that, wholeness happens from that, wellness happens from that.” – Bishop Dolan

  • Initiated the Annual Mass of Remembrance for those lost to suicide, held each year on September 4th.

  • Co-author of two books and a frequent speaker on mental health and healing within the Church.

SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE
8:30-9:15: Check-In

9:15-10:30: AM

Keynote Speaker:

The Most Rev. John P. Dolan,

Bishop of the Roman Catholic

Diocese of Phoenix

10:45-12:00:

Breakout Session A

  • Jayne Reynolds

  • Dr. Tina Younger

1:15-2:30: PM

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Mark Anderson, Amen Clinics

2:45 –4:00:

Breakout Session B

  • Mari Poledna PhD, RN

  • Dr. Akil Loli and

  • Rev. Michael Lessard M.Div, MA.

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​AFTERNOON KEY NOTE SPEAKER FROM AMEN CLINICS

Dr. Mark Anderson

Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist | Lifestyle & Integrative Medicine

  • Board-certified in adult and child psychiatry

  • Trained at Western University, Banner Health, and Creighton/Valleywise

  • Passionate about advancing psychiatry through genetics and neuroimaging

  • Combines medication with holistic, nonpharmacologic treatments

  • A devoted husband and father of three, with personal insight into the impact of ADHD and anxiety on families

  • Committed to improving mental health for children, families, and the community

Dr. Tina Younger
Internal Medicine & Pediatrics | Creighton University

  • Director of the Ambulatory Clinic for Creighton medical students

  • Returning speaker with a powerful faithbased perspective on healing

  • Leads an interactive workshop on spirituality in healthcare, advocacy, and storytelling

  • Guided by her favorite verse:

  • “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

Dr. Akil Loli 

Interventional Cardiologist

  • Born in Albania; completed medical training at University of Tirana and postgraduate education abroad

  • Completed residency at Maricopa Medical Center and cardiology fellowship at Banner Good Samaritan

  • Research interests include endothelial dysfunction, aging, and the molecular basis of cardiovascular disease

  • Will speak on the impact of stress on heart health and the healing power of spiritual self-care

  • Passionate about bridging science and spirituality in heart health and healing

Rev. Michael Lessard

CEO & Founder, Pastoral Care Associates (PCA)

  • Over 40 years of ordained ministry providing chaplain services to hospitals and care centers

  • Holds an M.Div. (St. John’s Seminary) and an MA in General Psychology (National University)

  • Licensed LEAD Plus trainer specializing in active listening and pastoral care

  • Author of three books with a compassionate focus on grief, loss, and God’s love

  • Brings a unique perspective on healing shaped by personal experiences, including the loss of his wife, Dorothy

Dr. Mari Poledna

 Nursing Professor | PhD in Healthcare Innovation

  • 33 years of experience across acute care, dementia, ICU, spinal cord injury, and telemedicine

  • Holds a PhD in Nursing & Healthcare Innovation from Arizona State University

  • Currently teaching at Paradise Valley Community College, inspiring the next generation of nurses

  • A returning speaker known for heartfelt talks and deep connection

  • Advocates for whole-person care and integrating pastoral support in healthcare

  • Dedicated to building a thriving, compassionate nursing culture

Jayne Reynolds 
Holistic Nutritionist | Brain Health Professional

  • Board-Certified Holistic Nutritionist® and Certified Brain Health Professional

  • Specializes in food-first strategies and amino acid therapy to support mental health

  • Helps individuals overcome anxiety, low mood, and chronic stress through sustainable lifestyle shifts

  • Shares how biblical truth and nutrition can work together to restore balance and build resilience

  • Passionate about supporting leaders and caregivers on their healing journey

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